In another edition of the Small School Notebook, our staff got the chance to evaluate closely the Appalachian State/Georgia Southern game as well as the Northern Colorado/Portland State game.
Along with in-depth notes from those games, we’ve included all you need to know from this past week’s small school news across the country.
Notes by OS Staff members Eric Galko, Jimmy O’Brien, Alex Brown, and Mark Dulgerian
Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern
Troy Sanders, Safety, Appalachian State
The best defensive performance of the afternoon was turned in by Sanders, who racked up 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a game ending interception in the red zone to extinguish Georgia Southern’s last hope for victory. Sanders is a downhill attacking layer, with plus closing speed and the ability to make the big hit, who aggressively filled the run lanes vs GSU’s triple option all day. Playing either in the box, or in the deep middle, Sanders flashed good instincts and decisiveness, especially late in the fourth quarter, when he recorded tackles for loss on back to back plays in the red zone
Jeremy Kimbrough, ILB, Appalachian State
With Appalachian State linebacker Brandon Grier missing the game due to injury, Kimbrough was forced to carry an even bigger workload than usual, and he responded with another strong game, posting 10 tackles, including one for loss. A fiery competitor and stout run defender, Kimbrough displayed solid instincts and the ability to locate the ball quickly, before being forced off the field late, with an undisclosed injury. Though possessing limited range and cover skills, Kimbrough impressively made plays at all defensive levels, including multiple open-field tackles versus GSU’s stable of talented, elusive backs.
Demetrius McCray, CB, Appalachian State
In the secondary, standout cornerback McCray was largely untested, as Georgia Southern attempted only 9 passes; however, he provided effective run support off the edge, finishing with 7 tackles, 5 of which were solos. A sticky press-man corner with length, strength, and ball skills, McCray displayed discipline, toughness, and the willingness to be a physical defender when the situation dictates.
Steve Miller, RB, Appalachian State
Miller, who has developed this season into a legitimate prospect, was clearly the focus of Georgia Southern’s defensive unit, after Miller ripped off 253 rushing yards the week before versus Western Carolina. Though he finished with just 63 yards on the ground, Miller averaged 6.7 yards per carry, and found the endzone once, flashing lateral acceleration, explosive burst on draws, and the ability to really sink his hips and cut on a dime. Though just a smallish back who won’t break many tackles, he was not only elusive in space, but also was effective running between the tackles. Miller was also used as a receiving weapon out of the backfield, and showcased the speed and smoothness out of cuts to get involved in the downfield passing game.
Brent Russell, DT, Georgia Southern
All American defensive tackle Russell was a disruptive force all game, despite being hampered by a nagging ankle injury that kept him from practicing all week. Playing mostly nose tackle and 3-technique, Russell was strong at the point of attack, and played with a consistently good pad level. He maintained inside leverage well, especially on several penetrating swim moves through the “A” gap, where he broke down plays before they could materialize. Despite possessing limited rush moves, Russell displayed more of a pass rush than he had in previous games, showed some athleticism on stunts, looping from the outside, and even saw a few snaps lined up as a stand-up defensive end.
Darius Eubanks, S, Georgia Southern
Also dealing with an injury, Eubanks left the game in the second half after falling awkwardly on his shoulder, while attempting a diving interception. A violent hitter, with the knack for making the big play, Eubanks was converted from linebacker this year, and has taken to the new position with verve and alacrity. Playing mostly as a two-deep safety, he demonstrated a quick backpedal, excellent closing speed, and the ability to attack the line of scrimmage as a true downhill player, recording two “in the box” tackles, as well as a key pass breakup downfield.
Dion Dubose, DE, Georgia Southern
Unlike Eubanks and Russell, Georgia Southern defensive end DuBose was sidelined for the entire 2011 season with a serious knee injury, and on Saturday, he looked like he was all the way back. As an undersized defensive lineman (6010, 235), DuBose must win battles at the line of scrimmage with speed and short area quickness, two things that he flashed repeatedly versus Appalachian State’s talented offensive tackles. DuBose still struggled to anchor at the point of attack on plays run directly at him, but he effectively set the edge, and applied consistent quarterback pressure, looking especially dominant on a sack that pinned Appalachian State deep in its own territory late in the fourth quarter.
Valdosta State/Tarleton State/William & Mary
Ryan Schraeder, OT, Valdosta State
Schraeder, a converted basketball player, is just starting to scratch the surface as a swing tackle prospect. Athletic enough to play on either side but more suited at right tackle, Schraeder possesses natural pop to his hands, and while he’s aggressive to engage off the snap, maintains ideal body control and balance through the play. Measuring in the 6’6 range with a fairly developed, 310-pound frame, Schraeder makes for an excellent developmental tackle prospect at the NFL level.
Rufus Johnson, DE, Tarleton State
Making his presence felt in the backfield versus North Alabama, Rufus Johnson added a sack, tackle for loss and forced fumble to his impressive stat line as a senior. Through 8 games, Johnson has 16.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 45 total tackles from the RDE position in a 4-man front. Read and react instincts, and stack and shed technique are two areas where Johnson can improve on; however, the physical tools of Johnson are readily apparent in the way he’s able to convert speed to power by shooting his hands and hips at the point of attack. Big, long, and explosive, Rufus Johnson is the type of physical specimen that will be on the top of UDFA boards.
BW Webb, CB, William & Mary
I (Eric Galko), finally got around to catching up on BW Webb film, and left once again very impressed with him as a prospect in the limited chances he’s had this season. He breaks down as a tackler very well and efficiently. He shows great hip fluidity to get to his deep third in Cover 3 quickly as well as travelling cross field in man coverage. He does a great job of timing his jumps/breaks on the ball, and attacks the play on time and at the highest point. While not being tested this year is a bit frustrating for him as well as from an evaluation standpoint, he’s certainly done enough in limited time this year as well as in year’s past to be worthy of a solid draft selection grade.
Portland State vs. Northern Colorado
Dominic Gunn, WR, Northern Colorado
Gunn, Northern Colorado’s speedy receiver and special teams ace, played a critical role in the Bears’ come from behind victory over Portland State. Gunn is one of the fastest players in the Big Sky and showed his big play ability once again on an 89 yard punt return for a score before a game winning touchdown reception. He’s a smallish receiver with the ability to squirt through tiny creases and take it the distance at any moment. He can out run angles and shows good instincts with the ball in his hands, patiently setting up blocks and knowing when to decelerate and accelerate through traffic. Route running is certainly an area of opportunity as he hasn’t shown a great palette of route variety. Many of his big plays stem from 5-10 yard routes where he then has the freedom to run and create on his own. Ball security has been an issue as well.
Marquis Jackson, DE, Portland State
Jackson is a transfer from Texas Southern who has been a terror for opposing backfields this season. He is explosive off the edge and uses active hands and upper body power to consistently overwhelm his competition. He relies on the swim move but he shows the nimble feet and athleticism to add more to his repertoire.
Ian Sluss, ILB, Portland State
Sluss is their do-it-all inside linebacker and a clear leader of the defense. He has enjoyed his best statistical season which can best be attributed to improved speed and awareness on the field this year. He won’t time well, but he plays faster than he should because of his anticipation and ability to position himself to make plays on the football. He’s a strong tackler and does an excellent job of taking on blockers in the box and filling his gaps at the line of scrimmage. He is instinctive in zone coverage, but there are some stiffness issues in man duties where he’s asked to turn and run and track the ball.
Other Small School Notes from Across the Country
-Just hours after his loss to Appalachian State, Georgia Southern DT Brent Russell was arrested with disorderly conduct at a bar as police were breaking up a fight. Not good news for a prospect with lots of upside and excitement around him.
-In a tough 14 point loss to visiting The Citadel, Elon’s Aaron Mellete was targeted early and often as the Phoenix fell behind quickly, and at one point trailed 31-6. Despite bracket coverage, Mellette finished with 9 catches for 102 yards, including 32 yards in the fourth quarter, as Elon mounted a furious comeback that ultimately fell short.
-With Georgia Southern losing to Appalachian State the door was wide open for sixth ranked Wofford to claim an outright Southern Conference title, with wins in their final two games. However, Samford pulled off their first win over a top ten team in nearly twenty years, with a scintillating 24-17 victory over the Terriers in double overtime. As is customary, Wofford was led by All American fullback candidate Eric Breitenstein, who was a workhorse, recording 35 carries for 168 yards and a score. But the day belonged to the Bulldogs’ impressive Juniors, Fabian Truss, who finished with 120 rushing yards, and wide receiver Kelsey Pope, who hauled in the game-winning touchdown in the second overtime period.
–Derek Carr of UT Martin, a senior, threw for 402 yards and 7 touchdowns against Jacksonville State this past weekend in a 49-47 win. Games like that force scouts to go back and watch film on him.
-Colgate ran for 531 yards in their win over Lafayette, with quarterback Gavin McCarney rushing for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns and running back Jordan McCord going for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns. Not a bad day on the ground, especially in a big Patriot League win.
-Stony Brook had two records fall for their team, both by NFL prospects. Miguel Maysonet, possible draft pick, had 149 yards and 3 touchdowns, breaking the Big South rushing TD record, while receiver Kevin Norrell had 113 yards, breaking the Big South single season receiving record with 1,173 yards.
–Malik Cromartie of North Carolina Central has been putting together a fantastic senior season at cornerback. He had 12 tackles this past weekend, four pass breakups, blocked a 34 yard field goal, and has continued to be one of the many defenders on that defense to step up.
-With a 61-9 win over visiting Cheyney University, Shippensburg capped off an undefeated season (10-0) and secured their place in the PSAC Championship Game versus Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Offensively, Senior wide receiver Jacob Baskerville hauled in two touchdowns, while posting 90 receiving yards, which put him over 1000 yards for the season. On the defensive side of the ball, Shippensburg’s emotional leader, inside linebacker Cody Fleming, combined with Senior defensive lineman Rodney Baltimore to smother Cheyney all afternoon, holding the visitors to exactly zero passing yards.
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